Legal and Institutional Reform

Following the national reforms initiated in March 2018, significant strides and commendable results have been achieved in the realm of legal and institutional enhancements. These reforms have made a substantial contribution to addressing democratic deficiencies, human rights violations, limitations in the independence and impartiality of judicial and justice institutions, and the lack of transparency and accountability in government operations that were prevalent in Ethiopia prior to the reforms.

The legal reform initiatives were spearheaded by the Legal and Justice Affairs Advisory Council, established under the Ministry of Justice. This council comprised academics from higher education institutions and citizens recognized for their impartiality and professional competence.

Accordingly, significant positive changes have been brought to the legal and justice sector through the following measures:

Firstly, by amending laws that previously imposed severe restrictions on citizens’ human rights and contributed to widespread human rights violations:

• The Anti-Terrorism Proclamation
• The Civil Society Organizations Proclamation
• The Media Law

Secondly, by preparing laws that reform institutions with previous shortcomings in ensuring democracy, government transparency, and accountability, and by introducing new laws to achieve these aims:

• The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia Establishment Proclamation
• The Federal Prisons Proclamation
• The Administrative Procedure Proclamation

Thirdly, by preparing laws to ensure citizens’ security, human rights, and the rule of law:

• The Firearm Administration and Control Proclamation
• The Proclamation to Prevent and Control Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants

Fourthly, by preparing and ratifying laws that introduce legal system reforms to align Ethiopia’s legal and justice sector with contemporary advancements:

• The Criminal Procedure and Evidence Code
• The Commercial Code
• The Arbitration and Conciliation Procedure Proclamation

Furthermore, the independence of the judiciary has been further strengthened by the ratification and implementation of the Federal Courts Proclamation and the Federal Judicial Administration Proclamation, which guarantee the autonomy and impartiality of courts. In a related development, the Federal Prosecutors Administration Regulation, which ensures the independence and impartiality of federal prosecutors, has also been ratified and implemented.

In addition to these, the new Ethiopian Electoral, Political Parties Registration and Election Ethics Proclamation was ratified. By linking this with the institutional reforms brought about by the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia Establishment Proclamation, it has been possible to conduct free, credible, and fair national elections for the first time. Concurrently, to further strengthen democratic institutions, the Human Rights Commission Establishment Proclamation and the Institution of the Ombudsman Establishment Proclamation have been amended, ratified, and implemented. This has enabled these institutions to better equip themselves to adequately respond to citizens’ concerns.